Middle Harbor

The Middle Harbor Terminal Redevelopment Project is combining two aging shipping terminals into the greenest, most technologically advanced container terminal in the world. In 2015, the Port of Long Beach completed the first phase of the project, and in 2019 is scheduled to complete the entire project.

Project Update

Phase 1 of the project has been completed. Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) is testing the new equipment and system in preparation for opening the terminal in 2016.

Video Updates

The Port of Long Beach has signed a 40-year, $4.6 billion lease with Orient Overseas Container Line and its subsidiary, Long Beach Container Terminal, for the Middle Harbor property, in the largest deal of its kind for any U.S. seaport.

The project will more than double capacity of the two terminals it replaces and the additional cargo will support 14,000 new jobs in Southern California. All while cutting air pollution in half.

The nine-year, $1.31 billion project will upgrade wharfs, water access and container yards, as well as add a greatly expanded on-dock rail yard. The Board of Harbor Commissioners approved the project's EIR in April 2009 after extensive environmental review and public participation. The Long Beach City Council upheld the Board's decision in May 2009. Construction on the project started in spring 2011.

Project Highlights

Dramatically reduce air pollution and health risks as new equipment and efficiencies are built into the terminal

Create about 14,000 permanent jobs in Southern California

Generate 1,000 temporary construction-related jobs a year over nine years

Implement aggressive environmental measures of the the Green Port Policy and San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan

Reduce traffic impacts through increased use of on-dock rail

Environmental Protection

In keeping with the Port's Green Port Policy and the San Pedro Bay Ports Clean Air Action Plan, the project will minimize or eliminate negative environmental impacts from shipping operations. To improve air quality and reduce environmental impacts, the project includes:

Shore power for ships

Expanded on-dock rail to shift more cargo shipments from trucks to trains

Cleaner yard equipment

Electric stacking cranes

Green Flag Vessel Speed Reduction program requirements

Use of low-sulfur fuels for ships' main and auxiliary engines

"Green building" (LEED) environmental standards

Storm water pollution prevention

Solar panels

Reuse or recycle waste materials such as concrete, steel, copper, and other materials during construction

LEED Buildings

The project is redeveloping two older terminals at Middle Harbor (Piers D, E and F). This includes construction of various buildings and facilities to house terminal operating staff and provides support areas for the operation. Of these buildings, the North Operations Information Technology building (NOIT), Marine Operations Building (MOB), the Power Crane Maintenance Shop (PCMS) and the Auxiliary Maintenance Facility (AMF) are pursuing LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – Gold-level certification.

As a leader in sustainable seaport operations and development, the Port of Long Beach has committed to requiring that all new buildings – including the structures in the Middle Harbor Terminal Redevelopment Program – pursue at least a Silver-level rating in the LEED green building certification program.